Atletico vs. Sevilla, Good Football With No Result

marca.com

Sevilla and Atletico faced each other at Pizjuan for a much anticipated game. They ended up tying, and both teams went home with an insignificant result that does not help them move forward on the table. They are now still tied up at 8 victories, 9 ties, and 9 losses (8-9-9) -- with 33points each.

Good start up in the first couple minutes for both teams, but Sevilla with more possession of the ball. Atletico tight on the defense trying to contain the home team and trying to attack,but was not able to until minute 8. Gabi Fernandez, gave the perfect cross from the  leftside to the center of the area. It was Adrian making a diagonal run pulling a defender away from the Atletico forward Salvio.  With that, Salvio had more space and time to finish and score  with a world class header to his lower right corner. A nice anticipation to the ball from the Argentinean, that got in front of the defender when the ball was crossed.
Couple of minutes later after the first goal, Salvio again with a nice kick to the goal, showing that he is right up there and wanting to make the score 2-0.

Good run by the home team at minute 13. A nice sequence of passes  and an opportunity from 'La Perla' Reyes  that was off target , but showing from infantry. 

Both teams with little bit of inaccuracy in the passes still for the first 15 minutes. The teams were  still settling down in the field. Salvio had 2 more chances to score, but Sevilla's goalkeeper Palop was standing firm in front of the goal.
Sevilla was not very aggressive the first 45 minutes. The only play that worried Courtous was a header of Kanoute, but nothing that made Atletico goalkeeper break a sweat.

First half finishing with 4 shots on goal for Atletico , and 2 for sevilla.
Very aggresive Atletico, making plays and using their nitro speed they have reserved on their left and right wings.  Their idea was taking  the ball  all the way to the line to try and make the crosses. The first half had more action from the visitors, and Sevilla with no ideas or rhythym.

Sevilla found their good luck charm in the second half. Sevilla's coach Michel  brought  back a Navas that was sorely missed. Navas pushed himself, and the determination to win the game was seen in his runs. At minute 52, Navas crossed a ball into the middle for Baba to finish up with one solid blast to Falop's leftside corner. The number 25 scored his first goal for Sevilla with no hesitation.

Navas,  the protagonist of Sevilla was having  a good second half and wanting to win the game. At  minute 71, a counterattack from Sevilla  and a nice cross from Navas for Reyes solid header, but a better save from Courtous.

Later on in the game at minute 87 , Navas gave a perfect ball to Manu. The ball ended on in the net, but the number 20 for Sevilla was just a little offside.

Atletico did not have any clears plays or shots to goal in the second half, but they didnt give up. They kept composure and were able to contain Sevilla, and the scoreboard at 1-1.  The 'Colchoneros' are a really hard team to beat now, and much more solid with 'El Cholo' Simeone as the coach.  Sevilla is also showings signs of maturity. In the  hands of Michel and footsteps of Navas, their team are on the way to success.

Next game-
Atletico vs. Besitkas  (Uefa Europa League) Thrusday, March 8, 2012 at The Vicente Calderon stadium.

Written by Boris Buchancow, Michael Stevenson